IN DEFENCE OF THE NATION

Aspiring student journalist Girija Shrinivas Dempo gets Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to open up about his life and work as he turns 60

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar turns 60 on December 13. To celebrate his birthday, we have dispensed with the recurring norm of having professional journalists interview him. Instead, we have chosen a young bright mind, a member of a school journalism club. Sharada Mandir School student Girija Shrinivas Dempo speaks to Manohar Parrikar about work and life as India’s Defence Minister The Prime Minister has entrusted a major responsibility on you by handing over to you the important portfolio of Defence. How does it feel in this important position?For me, the position in itself does not count. The defence of the country needed a new direction that had been missing in the last 10 years. I have been given the responsibility, and I will fulfil it as a part of my national duty, heavy though it is. While I am not elated over it, I am happy at being entrusted the responsibility and am going about doing the many things that need to be done.

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